Kayasand paves the way to a secure supply of concrete sand with New Zealand’s first sand engineering plant

Kayasand Limited, a supplier of sand engineering equipment and technology has opened New Zealand’s first sand engineering plant. It showcases how quarries can provide an economically viable and environmentally sustainable solution to the construction industry’s shortage of concrete sand.

Last week’s Environment Court ruling rejecting an application to continue dredging natural sand from the coast of Pakiri underscores the urgency of finding alternative sources of concrete sand.

Kayasand CEO Bram Smith says quarries in the Auckland region are already increasing the production of manufactured sand to bridge the gap.

“The ruling sends a clear signal to the industry that investment in alternatives to natural sand is the way forward. Quarries can confidently ramp up their sand manufacturing output knowing that a market exists for their product.”

Kayasand’s innovative V7-40 sand engineering plant in Waikato not only produces sand from crusher dust but engineers it into high-quality sand specifically designed for concrete.

Smith says, “Our plant and equipment produce sand that outperforms both manufactured and natural sand in concrete,”

“It's of such good quality there’s no need to blend it with natural sand.  Additionally, it produces stronger concrete than natural sand with at least 10% less cement. Workability, pumpability, and finish of the concrete remain unaffected.”

The reduction of at least 10% of cement in concrete translates to a potential carbon emissions reduction of 6,000 tonnes per year. Kayasand aims to reduce cement in concrete by 20%.

There are over 300 plants worldwide using the same technology. It’s a proven technology that New Zealand has yet to adopt.

Last year, as part of a larger equity raise, Kayasand secured $3.5 million in funding from New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF) to reduce carbon emissions from concrete.

There is a better way to obtain sand for construction and Kayasand is committed to making their technology available for the long-term benefit of New Zealanders, the environment and the construction industry.

To experience the future of sand manufacturing in New Zealand watch this video.

Media contact:
Libby May 021 378 232